Create a Facebook Application With PHP

By Justin Laing
2008-01-07


Creating Your Application Profile And API Key

Facebook requires that you register each application you make. Once you’ve logged into Facebook and installed the developer application go to the developer panel (or click here). Inside the developer application click “Set Up New Application”.

Choose a name for your application. This is important because it’s what users will see when they are browsing the application directory. Currently the name field is the only thing used when searching for applications. So it’s doubly important at this point.

Click on “Optional Fields”. Then fill out the Callback Url with the location of your script. This is the public URL on your webserver where the Facebook application will be.

Next fill out the “Canvas Page URL”. This is your application URL within Facebook. For example if the application was called “Makebeta Is Cool” then the application URL could be: “makebeta” which would make the full URL: http://apps.facebook.com/makebeta/.

Check Yes for Can your application be added on Facebook?

You should check the Developer Mode checkbox so that no one can add your application until you are done working on it.

Under Integration Points fill out Side Nav URL with the full Canvas Page URL. In the example above it would be http://apps.facebook.com/makebeta/. This allows users to add your application to their Facebook left side bar navigation.

All of these settings can be changed after the application has been created. But it’s a good idea not to change the Canvas Page URL or Name once you have users that have installed your application.

Further Reading: Starting your First Facebook App: Demystifying Application Form Field by Field

Get the API Key and Secret. You should now see your application listed with a unique API Key and Secret code. You’ll use these within your application.

Tutorial Pages:
» Facebook Is The New Black
» What Will I Learn?
» Getting Started As A Facebook Developer
» PHP Facebook API Client Library
» Creating Your Application Profile And API Key
» Hello Facebook!
» Facebook Markup Language - FBML
» Facebook API REST-based Interface
» Resources and Further Reading


Originally posted on Makebeta

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